Dry Drunk Syndrome: The Emotional Side of Recovery

The term “dry drunk” originated in Alcoholics Anonymous circles and is defined as someone who stops drinking, but has not recovered emotionally or psychologically from alcohol use disorder. Dry drunks often exhibit many of the same behaviors and attitudes as they did during addiction. It is more of “abstinence” from drinking, rather than healing. 

True recovery is not just sobriety. It includes emotional growth, repairing relationships, taking accountability, and addressing underlying psychosocial challenges that contribute to alcohol abuse. 

What is a Dry Drunk? Understanding the Term 

The term “dry drunk” was created by the creators of the 12-step program, Alcoholics Anonymous, and author R.J. Solberg defined it in his 1970 book “The Dry Drunk Syndrome” as someone who has stopped drinking but still shows characteristics, actions, and attitudes of an alcoholic. 

Someone struggling with dry drunk syndrome continues to struggle with the emotional and psychological effects of alcohol use disorder, such as strained relationships, aggression, and mood swings. Although they have quit drinking, they have yet to deal with the emotional baggage that led them to addiction in the first place. 

Dry drunk syndrome is more common in users who quit alcohol on their own, as they lack the professional support to guide them through the emotional and mental healing from addiction. 

The term dry drunk has been used in mockery by some members of the 12-Step community, but it is important to recognize that it is a real psychological phenomenon that can happen to anyone recovering from alcohol addiction. It is not a result of weakness or inherent failure.

Signs of Dry Drunk Syndrome: Behaviors to Watch Out For

The symptoms of a dry drunk can look different for everyone; however, many dry drunks hold resentment and anger over their alcohol addiction. Some behaviors that are a sign of dry drunk syndrome include: 

• Always feeling like they are the victim 
• Wanting to be the center of attention
• Trouble communicating effectively with loved ones or coworkers 
• Drastic mood swings 
• Frustration over time wasted during alcohol addiction
• Anger and resentment towards family and friends who intervened in drinking 
• Fear they can’t change  
• Believing sobriety is boring 
• Romanticizing past substance abuse 
• Not acknowledging the problems their alcohol use caused 
• Jealousy of others who are showing signs of healthy recovery 
• Struggle to accept constructive criticism or take accountability 

The Impact of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome 

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) are lingering symptoms after the initial detox period. Without professional intervention to address underlying issues, PAWS can last for months or even years. It’s common to experience extreme depression and fatigue after quitting alcohol. Other symptoms include trouble sleeping or concentrating, mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and aggression. 

Many experts describe dry drunk syndrome as a “subset of PAWS”; although the recovering alcoholic has stopped drinking, they still show the same unhealthy emotional and behavioral patterns. Both PAWS and Dry Drunk Syndrome highlight how recovery is a long-term process that requires emotional and psychological healing, and often professional intervention [1]. 

The Role of Emotional Sobriety in Recovery 

Quitting drinking without changing lifestyle behaviors and thought processes isn’t enough. Many individuals remain addicted because alcohol has become their way to cope. Being emotionally sober means you are able and comfortable handling negative feelings or emotions without letting them control you. 

The term emotional sobriety was first used by AA co-founder, Bill Wilson, who emphasized “true recovery is not just about stopping substance use but about profound emotional and spiritual transformation”. Emotional sobriety involves fostering self-awareness, mood regulation, coping with triggers, and resilience. It helps individuals face challenges with balance and stability [2]. 

Understanding why someone drinks is the first step in creating a tailored treatment plan that can address individual triggers and support emotional sobriety. Some of the underlying reasons that drive people to abuse alcohol include: 

• Trauma such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
• Family history of alcoholism 
• Unresolved mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder
• Life stressors such as job loss, credit card debt, or divorce  
• Social conditioning and culture  

Relapse Prevention Plans That Work 

Relapse prevention planning supports emotional sobriety by helping patients identify triggers, participate in therapy, and build connections with others in recovery. At AnchorPoint, we treat both the emotional and behavioral aspects of addiction. Some of the ways we support individuals in recovery with comprehensive relapse prevention planning include:  

• Identifying Triggers: Recognize triggers that can increase cravings or the risk of relapse, such as places, people, stress, or negative emotions. 

• Recognize Relapse: Recognize the warning signs of relapse (emotional, mental, and physical relapse) to avoid falling back into full-blown addiction. This includes giving in to cravings and having a drink, even if “just one”.  

• Coping Strategies: Use healthy coping strategies to relieve stress and manage cravings, such as breathwork, journaling, yoga, exercise, and meditation. 

• Support Network: Build a network of people to rely on for emotional support during periods of stress or temptation. This includes friends, family, coaches, partners, therapists, and sponsors. 

• Establish Routine: Daily structure and healthy habits such as regular sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercise support stability and improved well-being. 

• Individual Therapies: Evidence-based therapies like DBT, CBT, and EMDR treat underlying mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. They focus on helping patients reframe negative thoughts, cope with distressing emotions, and set goals for long-term recovery.  

• Group therapy: Ongoing peer support helps keep individuals in alcohol recovery accountable and provides them with a safe space for fostering connections. 

• Crisis Planning: Those exiting recovery should have a crisis plan for high-risk situations to manage cravings, lapses, and temptations. This may include a list of phone numbers to call and coping strategies. 

Comprehensive Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder at AnchorPoint 

At AnchorPoint, we are committed to providing compassionate care that addresses the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of our clients. Through a blend of evidence-based therapies, social supports, case management, integrated wellness, and Christ-centered services, we help individuals heal the root cause of alcohol addiction and grow in a supportive, faith-based environment. 

We understand the complex nature of alcoholism and that healing doesn’t just equal sobriety. Our dedicated team of faith-based clinicians, therapists, and support staff is committed to helping you grow emotionally and setting goals for long-term recovery. 

Contact our admissions team to begin your healing journey today. 

Sources 

R.J. Solberg. 1970. “The Dry Drunk Syndrome”.